Children are born with a sense of curiosity. Their eyes are filled with wonder with things that the rest of us overlook. Parents let their kid’s imaginations grow but intervene when a teachable moment presents itself. Mastering this concept allows you to create your child’s core values. This is how we enable kids to become good citizens.
There are plenty of sports with teams for children. However, the parent is on the sideline and that is where they will be until the end of the Dance class, softball game, or soccer game. While you can point out and teach the child after the fact, but it does not have the same impact as being on the spot.
Running is a sport that entire families are able to do together. Of course, each family member will have their space, but you are out there with them. When a teachable moment pops up, you can help them address it well before the moment has passed.
Running is a healthy sport for people of all ages. It doesn’t cost a lot to get started. Check out dancewear sites for clothes and shoes that support the body and protects the feet. Just For Kix is a good place to find a wide selection and at a good price.
Below, we will give you five life lessons that your child will learn while running. There are many more life lessons that will pop up while you are on your family journey. Choose your battles. If it has been a long day, and you want to cut the lesson short. That is fine. You are the parent and you are in control.
Remember, your child will have to learn, practice, and grow a bit before they will graduate to a seasoned runner. It is you who will make the effort and include you into their group. You may choose to coach the kids.
You only get back as much as you give — patience.
Children often focus on the end of the game. They want the trophy, the ribbon, and the status of completing the run. But, they are kids. When they have to push a little, they quickly become disillusioned. Teach them patience as you practice waiting and working.
This part of their training is often the first hurdle you must jump. The younger the child, the harder it is explaining what it means to take their body to a new level of health. They should be encouraged and praised for pushing on after they want to quit.
This is a teachable moment. This is where you teach them to challenge themselves. You may want to teach them to pace themselves. They cannot mature their game like an experienced adult.
It is okay to mess up.
Nobody is perfect. Children are little humans, separated only by age and knowledge. Making a mistake just means you are trying. Teach your child to shake it off. Teach them how to let it go. If you do not address this, your child will internalize their mistakes, which can damage their self-esteem. This is a very important part of their training. Teach them to look at the mistake and learn from it. Then let it go. Learning how to forgive themselves will benefit them for their entire life.
Learn to control your emotions
Learning to control your emotions is a skill many adults never learn. Make your child the exception. It is normal to get angry, sad, and frustrated. But, we do not have to act on those feelings. You will teach them how to express their feelings in a healthy way.
How to win or lose with class
Everyone wants to be a winner. But, if a child is not taught the proper way of winning, few people will be there to pat them on the back. Your child should learn to let others brag on them.
If your child throws a tantrum because they did not win, it is up to you to correct their behavior. After everything is calm, address the problem and teach them not to be a sore loser.
Things will always get better
Children sometimes take a small issue and turn it into a major problem. This is when you can teach them to just watch for it because it will get better. It will not rain forever and the sun won’t always be so bright.
As you and your child progress, you can teach them how different foods affect them. Help them to experiment with foods and chart how good they make them feel. They will learn how sugary snacks can fail them. This is all part of helping your child be the best they can be.
Running is the perfect activity for your entire family. Practice watching for those teachable moments, and watch your child grow in every way.
